Referral schemes have become increasingly popular across various industries, offering existing customers incentives to refer their friends and family in exchange for rewards. One such example is Octopus Energy, which has seen eight of its customers - including the writer's own family members - sign up after being recommended by a friend.
The energy provider's referral scheme offers £50 of credit to both the referrer and referee, which can be a significant incentive for those looking to switch providers. Richard, an existing Octopus Energy customer, says he was delighted with the arrangement: "That paid for a month's worth of electricity for my dad, which he was really happy about."
While referral schemes can be beneficial, there are potential dangers involved. For example, social media referrals can lead to spam and endless promotions linked to the sector of business being referred to. It is essential to approach these schemes with caution and common sense.
Experts recommend that customers should be honest about their experience and transparent about receiving a bonus if someone uses their link. Friends or family members, on the other hand, should check the small print, compare alternatives, and ensure the product genuinely fits their needs and budget.
For instance, Lloyds bank offers £50 to both existing and new customers for successful current account sign-ups. Monzo's referral scheme also gives up to £50 in rewards, while Starling Bank offers a free National Trust day pass to the referrer and new customer. Raisin, an online savings marketplace, offers £100 to each party for successful referrals.
The benefits of referral schemes are not limited to energy providers alone. Many other businesses, such as broadband, mobile network, and shopping companies, also offer rewards for successful referrals. Gym membership providers like Third Space and Anytime Fitness offer free trials or discounts, while clothing retailers like Hobbs provide discounts on purchases made by referred friends.
In the entertainment sector, Cineworld offers a free month of Unlimited membership to those who sign up with their code. The company states that if 12 friends sign up with their code, the customer will receive 12 months' Unlimited membership - effectively one year of cinema for free.
Ultimately, referral schemes can be a win-win for both existing customers and new businesses, as they provide an incentive for quality referrals without the need for expensive advertising. However, it is crucial to approach these schemes with caution and understand the terms and conditions involved to avoid any potential pitfalls.
The energy provider's referral scheme offers £50 of credit to both the referrer and referee, which can be a significant incentive for those looking to switch providers. Richard, an existing Octopus Energy customer, says he was delighted with the arrangement: "That paid for a month's worth of electricity for my dad, which he was really happy about."
While referral schemes can be beneficial, there are potential dangers involved. For example, social media referrals can lead to spam and endless promotions linked to the sector of business being referred to. It is essential to approach these schemes with caution and common sense.
Experts recommend that customers should be honest about their experience and transparent about receiving a bonus if someone uses their link. Friends or family members, on the other hand, should check the small print, compare alternatives, and ensure the product genuinely fits their needs and budget.
For instance, Lloyds bank offers £50 to both existing and new customers for successful current account sign-ups. Monzo's referral scheme also gives up to £50 in rewards, while Starling Bank offers a free National Trust day pass to the referrer and new customer. Raisin, an online savings marketplace, offers £100 to each party for successful referrals.
The benefits of referral schemes are not limited to energy providers alone. Many other businesses, such as broadband, mobile network, and shopping companies, also offer rewards for successful referrals. Gym membership providers like Third Space and Anytime Fitness offer free trials or discounts, while clothing retailers like Hobbs provide discounts on purchases made by referred friends.
In the entertainment sector, Cineworld offers a free month of Unlimited membership to those who sign up with their code. The company states that if 12 friends sign up with their code, the customer will receive 12 months' Unlimited membership - effectively one year of cinema for free.
Ultimately, referral schemes can be a win-win for both existing customers and new businesses, as they provide an incentive for quality referrals without the need for expensive advertising. However, it is crucial to approach these schemes with caution and understand the terms and conditions involved to avoid any potential pitfalls.